Proceedings Paper

We have recently completed a breadboard ion-clock physics package based on Hg ions shuttled between a quadrupole
and a 16-pole rf trap. With this architecture we have demonstrated short-term stability ~1-2x10-13 at 1 second, averaging
to 10-15 at 1 day. This development shows that H-maser quality stabilities can be produced in a small clock package,
comparable in size to an ultra-stable quartz oscillator required for holding 1-2x10-13 at 1 second. This performance was
obtained in a sealed vacuum configuration where only a getter pump was used to maintain vacuum. The vacuum tube
containing the traps has now been under sealed vacuum conditions for nearly two years with no measurable degradation
of ion trapping lifetimes or clock short-term performance. We have fabricated the vacuum tube, ion trap and UV
windows from materials that will allow a ~ 400°C tube bake-out to prepare for tube seal-off. This approach to the
vacuum follows the methods used in flight vacuum tube electronics, such as flight TWTA's where tube operation
lifetime and shelf life of up to 15 years is achieved. We use neon as a buffer gas with 2-3 times less pressure induced
frequency pulling than helium and, being heavier, negligible diffusion losses will occur over the operation lifetime.